Here's to Hoping the Weight is Over
Is it possible to be hopeless and optimistic at the same time? Welcome to my world when it comes to weight loss as a woman who uses a wheelchair and can no longer stand on her own.
Struggling with my weight
I am overweight, and I have struggled to lose weight for most of my life. From when I was a little girl until right now, I’ve always been aware of, been uncomfortable with, and been embarrassed by my size; all the while knowing that I need to lose weight.
But it’s in my nature that I hate to lose. I’m not exactly a brat. It’s just that I am more of a poor sport and a sore loser. Maybe because I am a little sister and a lifelong Michigan Wolverine football fan, but I am not fond of losing.
And it was not until I typed that sentence that I saw its incredible irony: I hate to lose, yet I want to lose more than anything.
Trying to remain hopeful
I have tried to lose weight numerous times in my life. Doctors who have advised me about weight loss always suggested healthy diets and exercise. While I have had some success with healthy diets, long-term sustained weight loss is a constant struggle.
Exercise is a struggle, too. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 23. Five years after my MS diagnosis, I could no longer walk, yet walking is what many weight loss experts say is critical to controlling your weight. Ugh!
Even with these challenges, I’ve tried to remain hopeful. My hope is more realistic now than ever before because injectable medications are available to assist with weight loss. Maybe those drugs finally could help me, and help my husband, Dan, too.
No, Dan does not need to slim down. He is my incredible husband who loves me despite my weight woes; wheelchair and all. And I love Dan, and I continue trying to lose weight for him because he is my primary caregiver and he also has MS. Of course, a lighter frame would make his day-to-day caregiving responsibilities easier and hopefully also preserve his health.
It’s not like I haven’t tried to lose weight
Again, it’s not like I haven’t tried. Shortly after Dan and I got married nearly 19 years ago, I looked into bariatric surgery. But I was not eligible to have it because I don’t walk. What a disappointment, but I did find some success with Weight Watchers, and I was happy. Brief moments of happiness because, well, food always is there for me.
I honestly thought I would have time to change my relationship with and fondness for food, but time and life go by so fast. I looked at the calendar and poof! I’m turning 50 in a matter of months, as of my writing this. Eke! I have to deal with my obesity. Now.
It turns out I am not alone with this weighty issue. Just look around. Obesity is everywhere. In fact, around 73% of American adults are overweight in general, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control.
Can new weight loss medications help?
I always wanted a miracle pill or way for me to lose weight. So, I’m left pondering whether the likes of newly-introduced weight loss medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro will be the answer to my call to shed this surplus of pounds.
You probably have seen news stories about those medications or a shrinking celebrity or two who credit these drugs with helping them lose weight. But as a non-celebrity, are any of these meds available and realistic for me or others in my MS community struggling with their weight?
It is exciting and promising that these injectable medications exist. However, these drugs can also have some serious disadvantages. The meds can be expensive and may have unpleasant side effects, ranging from gastrointestinal and stomach issues, to dizziness and fatigue.1
Seeing if they could be an option
My secondary progressive MS and inability to walk add to the complexities surrounding the potential life-changing impacts these medications have.
For now, I guess I literally will have to weight and see if they are an option for me.
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